2400_zero_code Page 1 of 28 FOREST SERVICE MANUAL NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO) WASHINGTON, DC FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE Amendment No.: 2400-2009-2 Effective Date: September 28, 2009 Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. Approved: RICHARD SOWA Acting Associate Deputy Chief Date Approved: 09/03/2009 Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this amendment. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last amendment to this title was 2400-2009-1 to FSM 2400_zero_code. New Document 2400_zero_code 28 Pages Superseded Document(s) by Issuance Number and Effective Date 2400_zero_code (Amendment 2400-2009-1, 09/14/2009) 28 Pages Digest: Technical amendment to correct Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA), it was misquoted as Healthy Forests Recreation Act (HFRA) throughout the document. 2400 Zero Code - Makes minor editorial and formatting changes throughout the chapter. 2404.15 – Removes direction already covered in section 2404.21 and 2404.28. 2404.16 – Removes direction already covered in section 2404.21 and 22404.28. 2404.21 – Clarifies that line officer authority may not exceed their specific delegation letter. The values shown in Exhibit 01 are the maximum levels that may be delegated but are not an automatic delegation. Clarifies the authority of the forest supervisor to delegate contracting officers at the ranger district level. Removes duplicate policy on delegation of contracting officer. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 2 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE Digest--Continued: 2404.23 – Authorize the Washington Office, Director Forest Management to delegate authority to dispose of timber under a stewardship agreement. 2404.24 – Clarifies that delegations of authority should only be done through official correspondence to named individuals. Raises the value of free use that may be delegated during emergencies to $10,000. Removes reference to individual free use limits. Adds stewardship agreements to the authority of the regional foresters. 2404.25 – Clarifies that delegations of authority should only be done through official correspondence to name individuals. Raises the value of free use that may be delegated during emergencies to $5,000. Removes reference to individual free use limits. 2404.25a – Removes reference to individual free use limits. 2404.26 – Adds stewardship agreements as an acceptable method for the disposal of timber and forest products. 2404.28 Exhibit 01 – Adds limits for stewardship service contracts and stewardship agreements. Raises the maximum limits for free use. Raises the maximum limit for Federal free use to the regional forester. Adds CFR reference to legal authority for Exchange Timber Sales. Adds policy reference to Seized Timber Sales. Adds legal authority under Innocent Trespass Timber Sales and raises the maximum limits for the regional forester and forest supervisor. Revises the maximum delegation limits for forest supervisor and district ranger for Timber Property Sales and adds additional policy references. Reformats, renumbers and updates footnote references for exhibit 01. 2409.21d – Removes the reference to the Compartment Prescription Handbook that was previously removed from the Directives System. 2409.25 – Removes the reference to the Timber Sale ADP Handbook that was previously removed from the Directives System. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 3 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE Table of Contents 2401 - AUTHORITY ........................................................................................................ 5 2401.1 - Laws ............................................................................................................................. 5 2401.2 - Timber Management Regulations ................................................................................ 6 2402 - OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... 7 2403 - POLICY ................................................................................................................ 7 2403.1 - Timber Ownership ........................................................................................................ 7 2403.2 - Forest Resource and Project Planning .......................................................................... 7 2403.3 - Information Systems ..................................................................................................... 8 2403.4 - Cost Effectiveness ........................................................................................................ 8 2403.5 - Integration with Other Resources ................................................................................. 8 2404 - RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................................... 8 2404.1 - Timber Management Program ...................................................................................... 8 2404.11 - Chief ....................................................................................................................... 9 2404.12 - Deputy Chief for National Forest System .............................................................. 9 2404.13 - Associate Deputy Chief for National Forest System ............................................ 10 2404.14 - Washington Office, Director, Forest Management............................................... 10 2404.15 - Regional Forester .................................................................................................. 11 2404.16 - Forest Supervisor .................................................................................................. 12 2404.17 - District Ranger ...................................................................................................... 13 2404.2 - Delegation of Authority to Sell and Dispose of Timber and Forest Products ............ 14 2404.21 - Scope of Authority................................................................................................ 15 2404.22 - Designation of Actings ......................................................................................... 16 2404.23 - Washington Office, Director, Forest Management............................................... 16 2404.24 - Regional Foresters ................................................................................................ 17 2404.25 - Forest Supervisors ................................................................................................ 18 2404.25a - District Rangers .................................................................................................. 19 2404.26 - Contracting Officers ............................................................................................. 19 2404.27 - Station Directors ................................................................................................... 20 2404.28 - Specific Delegations of Timber Sale and Disposal Authority .............................. 20 2409 - FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOKS (FSH) ......................................................... 25 2409.1 - Internal Servicewide Handbooks ................................................................................ 25 2409.11 - National Forest Log Scaling Handbook (FSH) .................................................... 25 2409.11a - Cubic Scaling Handbook (FSH) ......................................................................... 25 2409.12 - Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH) ....................................................................... 25 2409.12a - Timber Volume Estimator Handbook (FSH) ...................................................... 25 2409.13 - Timber Resource Management Planning Handbook (FSH) ................................. 25 2409.13a - Timber Permanent Plot Handbook (FSH) .......................................................... 25 2409.14 - Timber Management Information System Handbook (FSH) ............................... 25 2409.15 - Timber Sale Administration Handbook (FSH) ..................................................... 26 2409.17 - Silvicultural Practices Handbook (FSH) .............................................................. 26 2409.18 - Timber Sale Preparation Handbook (FSH) .......................................................... 26 WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 4 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2409.19 - Renewable Resources Handbook (FSH) .............................................................. 26 2409.2 - Internal Unit Handbooks ............................................................................................ 26 2409.21e - Timber Management Control Handbook (FSH) ................................................. 26 2409.21h - Timber Management Data Handbook (FSH) ..................................................... 26 2409.22 - Timber Appraisal Handbook (FSH) ..................................................................... 26 2409.26 - Silvicultural Practices Handbook (FSH) .............................................................. 27 2409.26b - Reforestation Handbook (FSH) .......................................................................... 27 2409.26c - Timber Stand Improvement Handbook (FSH) ................................................... 27 2409.26d - Silvicultural Examination and Prescription Handbook (FSH) ........................... 27 2409.26e - Nursery Handbook (FSH) ................................................................................... 27 2409.26f - Seed Handbook (FSH) ........................................................................................ 27 2409.26g - Tree Improvement Handbook (FSH) .................................................................. 28 WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 5 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2401 - AUTHORITY The authority for managing National Forest System timber derives from laws enacted by Congress, which authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the national forests and to issue necessary regulations. 2401.1 - Laws The principal statutes governing forest management on national forests are: 1. The Organic Administration Act of 1897 (16 U.S.C. 473-475), authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish regulations governing the occupancy and use of national forests and to protect the forests from destruction. 2. The Knutson-Vandenberg Act of 1930 (16 U.S.C. 576-576b), as amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), directs the Secretary to provide for improvement of the productivity of renewable resources within National Forest System timber sale areas. The act also authorizes the collection and use of timber receipts for these purposes. 3. The Multiple-Use, Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528-531), recognizes timber as one of five major resources for which national forests are to be managed. This act further directs the Secretary to develop and administer the renewable surface resources of national forests for multiple use and sustained yield of the many products and services obtained from these resources. 4. The National Forest Roads and Trails Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 532-538), directs the Secretary to provide for the existence of an adequate system of roads and trails within and near national forests. 5. The Small Business Act of 1953, as amended (15 U.S.C. 644), provides for agencies to participate in programs with the Small Business Administration (SBA). This is the authority for the Small Business Timber Sale Set-Aside program (FSM 2439). 6. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (16 U.S.C. 4321), requires agencies to analyze the physical, social, and economic effects associated with proposed plans and decisions, to consider alternatives to the action proposed, and to document the results of the analysis. 7. The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600-1614) (as amended by National Forest Management Act of 1976), directs the Secretary to periodically assess the forest and rangeland resources of the Nation and to submit to Congress at regular intervals recommendations for long-range Forest Service programs essential to meet future resource needs. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 6 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 8. The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), sets forth the requirements for land and resource management plans for the National Forest System. It also amends several of the basic acts applicable to timber management. It specifically addresses most aspects of timber management and how it is related to other resources. It is the primary authority governing the management and use of timber resources on National Forests System lands. 9. The Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended by the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 620), sets forth restrictions on export of unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands. It addresses certain exceptions to export restrictions and establishes reporting requirements. 10. The Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) of 2003 (Pub.L. 108-148), provides processes for implementing hazardous fuel reduction projects on certain types of "at-risk" National Forest System (NFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and also provides other authorities and direction to help reduce hazardous fuel and restore healthy forest and rangeland conditions on lands of all ownerships. 11. Section 323 of Public Law 108-7 (16 U.S.C. 2104 note) grants the Forest Service authority until September 30, 2013, to enter into stewardship contracting projects with private persons or public or private entities, by contract or agreement, to perform services to achieve land management goals for national forests or public lands that meet local and rural community needs. 2401.2 - Timber Management Regulations The Chief’s authority to manage and dispose of timber and forest products is delegated from the Secretary at 7 CFR 2.60 and further defined at 36 CFR part 223 (FSM 1233 and 1234). 1. Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 223 govern the sale and disposal of timber, timber export, and substitution restrictions. 2. Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 223, subpart C, prescribe the policies and procedures governing the debarment and suspension of purchasers and those persons who violate the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended by the Forest Resources and Shortage Relief Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.; FSM 2455.4). 3. Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part 3017 (FSM 2433), addressing Governmentwide nonprocurement suspension and debarment system. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 7 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2402 - OBJECTIVES To cultivate and maintain tree stands in a manner that promotes and achieves a diverse pattern of vegetation that best meets the needs of people now and in the future. Specific objectives for managing the forest resource of National Forest System lands are: 1. To provide a continuous supply of National Forest System timber for the use and necessities of the citizens of the United States. 2. To provide an even flow of National Forest System timber in order to facilitate the stabilization of communities and opportunities for employment. 3. To manage and provide for regeneration of tree stands. 4. To maintain a diversity of forest vegetation types and resources consistent with forest plans. 5. To plan and conduct cost-effective timber sales and other timber management activities. 6. To restore and maintain healthy forest conditions through the reduction of hazardous fuels. 2403 - POLICY 2403.1 - Timber Ownership To avoid unauthorized disposal of timber, the forest officer initiating an action or project must determine the status and ownership of the lands involved, including the timber thereon. This includes review of any titles held by the United States, encumbrances on those titles, use restrictions imposed by the Forest Service or other agencies of Government, and restrictions imposed by laws, Executive orders, or other legal instruments transferring lands to the stewardship of the Forest Service. 2403.2 - Forest Resource and Project Planning 1. Determine the magnitude of the forest management program on a given national forest through the forest land and resource management planning process (FSM 1920). 2. Select, design, and implement timber project-level activities in an economically efficient manner, consistent with the objectives and guidance of the forest plan. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 8 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 3. Conduct and document environmental analysis and subsequent decisions in accordance with direction in FSM 1950. 2403.3 - Information Systems Use accurate, systematically stored, and reliably retrieved data from established systems (FSM 2490) to manage and report on the forest management program. 2403.4 - Cost Effectiveness 1. Plan and prepare individual timber sales and stewardship projects in a manner that ensures procedures and requirements, which decrease costs or increase revenues are taken into full account in the decision making process. 2. Ensure that the timber sale program on an individual national forest reflects present and anticipated future market conditions within the flexibility provided in the Forest plan. 3. Do not select alternative courses of action primarily because of the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output, but seek to ensure that total benefits equal or exceed total costs over time. 2403.5 - Integration with Other Resources 1. Prepare and administer forest management program activities to meet the resource management objectives expressed in the forest plan. 2. Use the standards and guidelines in the forest plan to integrate needs for and protection of associated natural resources during project design and administration. 3. Use the timber sale program and other forest management activities to enhance timber and other forest resource values and benefits over time. The timber sale program can provide substantial fish and wildlife habitat improvement, road building with attendant recreation access, and improved timber stand productivity; decrease hazardous fuels and associated risks of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and increase water yields; and it can also improve many other resources. 4. Recognize that forest management may also adversely affect these resources, and carry out these activities in a manner that minimizes adverse effects. 2404 - RESPONSIBILITY 2404.1 - Timber Management Program WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 9 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.11 - Chief The Chief: 1. Retains the overall authority over and responsibility for the timber management program including stewardship contracting. 2. Has authority to act as a debarring and/or suspending official as follows: a. Pursuant to 36 CFR part 223, subpart C, is responsible for debarring individuals, organizations, or other entities for causes specified at 36 CFR 223.137 (FSM 2455.4). b. Pursuant to 2 CFR part 180, is responsible for debarring and/or suspending individuals, organizations, or other entities for causes specified at 7 CFR 3017.800 and 7 CFR 3017.700, respectively (FSM 2433). 3. May redelegate the authority to serve as a Forest Service nonprocurement debarring or suspending official to the Deputy Chief, or an Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, (7 CFR 180.930 and 7 CFR 180.1010). 2404.12 - Deputy Chief for National Forest System The responsibility of the Deputy Chief for the National Forest System is to: 1. Direct the allocation of the timber program budget and targets to respond to changing market conditions, improve returns on timber investments, and meet national, social, economic, and environmental needs. 2. Provide direction, leadership, and administration of servicewide forest management programs, policies, procedures, and advise the Chief of current national timber-related issues. 3. Formulate, coordinate, and implement broad policies for administration of the national forest management program and stewardship contracting. 4. Review, advise on, and approve or disapprove policies, programs, and regulations proposed by the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management. 5. Serve as debarring and/or suspending official when designated by the Chief (FSM 2404.11). WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 10 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.13 - Associate Deputy Chief for National Forest System The responsibility of the Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System with the functional responsibility for forest management is to: 1. Serve as the deciding officer on appeals filed under 36 CFR part 215, or reviewing officer for appeals filed under 36 CFR part 251 for timber issues appealed to the Chief, unless a superior officer elects to conduct the review. 2. Serve as a debarring and/or suspending official when designated by the Chief (FSM 2404.11). 3. Provide guidance for and supervision of the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, in administering the national timber management program, including the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) projects and stewardship contracting. 4. Review, advise on, and approve or disapprove policies, programs, and regulations proposed by Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, as directed by the Deputy Chief for the National Forest System. 2404.14 - Washington Office, Director, Forest Management The responsibility of the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management is to: 1. Advise the Associate and Deputy Chief, National Forest System, and the Chief on servicewide forest management program, policies, procedures, and current national forest management-related issues. 2. Maintain relationships with the public, Members of Congress, and organizations that have concerns about forest resource management on a national basis. Keep abreast of nationwide public attitudes and desires regarding the Agency’s forest management program. 3. Maintain coordination among the regions for major forest management activities, including HFRA and stewardship contracting, through national meetings, committees, correspondence, and staff advice. 4. Assist regions in clearly identifying needs and opportunities for the management of forest resources. 5. Recommend, as appropriate, objectives and priorities for regional forest management activities and stewardship contracting. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 11 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 6. Conduct monitoring, field reviews, functional assistance trips, and audits of forest management activities, including stewardship contracting, to ensure that forest resource management and the resulting effects of the activities on other resources meet national policy requirements. Conduct activity reviews to evaluate forest management activities (FSM 1410). 7. Maintain national systems needed to support information needs for forest management at all levels in the Forest Service, and provide the official source for minimum information requirements that give the status and condition of the forest management program (FSM 2490). 8. Approve and conduct other forest-related business delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Chief (FSM 2450). Cancel, partially cancel, or unilaterally modify timber sale contracts, as appropriate (36 CFR 223.116 (a)(5)). 9. Issue national special provisions for timber sale contracts. 2404.15 - Regional Forester The responsibility of each regional forester is to: 1. Prescribe and oversee the implementation of regional objectives, policies, and responsibilities for all major aspects of forest resource management, including Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and stewardship contracting. 2. Develop standards and provide for consistency and coordination among forests and with adjacent regions in meeting forest resource management objectives and targets. 3. Establish management direction (objectives, standards, and policies) that ensures the integration of the forest resource objectives with other regional programs and in forest land and resource management plans. 4. Maintain communication with individuals and organizations with regional concerns about management of forest resources. 5. Oversee the coordination of regional forest resource management programs with State and county agencies and encourage individuals and organizations to become involved in forest resource management activities, including HFRA projects and stewardship contracting. 6. Provide training and technical assistance to forest supervisors to ensure forest resource management expertise is available at the forest level. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 12 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 7. Ensure that necessary environmental analysis and documentation occurs on any timber sale, HFRA project, or stewardship project decision that is within the regional forester’s authority to approve. 8. Provide that monitoring, field reviews, functional assistance trips, and audits of forest resource management activities, including HFRA projects and stewardship contracting, are conducted to ensure that forest resource needs and the resulting effects of the activities on other resources meet national and regional policy requirements. Schedule activity reviews to evaluate forest management activities (FSM 1410). 9. Delegate authority to approve sale project plans (2404.21, paragraph 1a), ensure coordination of the sale project (2404.21, paragraph 1b), serve as the deciding officer for NEPA decisions (2404.21, paragraph 1c), and to sell and dispose of National Forest System timber and forest products (2404.21, paragraph 1d, and 2404.28). 10. Issue regional special provisions for timber sale and stewardship contracts. This authority may not be delegated below the regional office level. 11. Cancel timber sale contracts (36 CFR 223.116 (a)(1) through (4)) under the regional forester’s authority. Refer cases to cancel, partially cancel, or unilaterally modify timber sale contracts reserved under the Chief’s authority (36 CFR 223.116 (a)(5)) to the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management. 12. Refer cases to the debarring or suspending official for suspension and/or debarment when possible violations constituting cause for suspension or debarment are identified (FSM 2433 and 2455.4). 2404.16 - Forest Supervisor The responsibility of each forest supervisor is to: 1. Provide management direction (objectives, standards, and policies) that ensures the integration of forest resource objectives into programs and projects at the ranger district level, and to integrate forest resource management programs with other resource management programs in developing and implementing the forest plan. 2. Maintain communication with individuals and organizations with concerns about local forest management. Ensure public notice of decisions affecting forest resource activities implemented under the forest supervisor’s authority (36 CFR part 215 and FSH 1909.15). 3. Oversee the coordination of forest and project level plans with State and county agencies and encourage involvement by local individuals and organizations in the design and implementation of forest resource management activities, giving the public an opportunity to participate in solving forest resource management problems. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 13 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 4. Provide the opportunity for training and technical assistance to district rangers as needed to meet the need for staff expertise to properly implement forest resource management including Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and stewardship contracting. 5. Require the use of the Timber Information Manager (TIM) data for resource coordination and forest resource program and project interdisciplinary planning, design, and management. Establish the minimum information requirements necessary to meet program and project management needs on the forest. Require verification of the accuracy of data entered into the system. 6. Ensure that necessary environmental analysis and documentation occurs on any timber sale, HFRA project or stewardship project decision that is within the forest supervisor’s authority to approve. 7. Oversee monitoring, field reviews, functional assistance trips, and audits of forest resource management activities including HFRA and stewardship contracting to ensure that forest resource needs and the resulting effects of the activities on other resources meet regional and forest-level policy requirements. Schedule activity reviews to evaluate forest resource management activities (FSM 1410). 8. Delegate authority to approve sale project plans (2404.21, paragraph 1a), ensure coordination of the sale project (2404.21, paragraph 1b), serve as the deciding officer for NEPA decisions (2404.21, paragraph 1c), and to sell and dispose of National Forest System timber and forest products (2404.21, paragraph 1d, and 2404.28). 9. Refer cases to the regional forester for suspension and/or debarment when possible violations that constitute cause for suspension or debarment are identified (FSM 2433 and 2455.4). 10. Refer cases to cancel, partially cancel, or unilaterally modify timber sale contracts reserved under the Chief’s authority (36 CFR 223.116(a)(5)) to the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, through the regional forester. 2404.17 - District Ranger Each district ranger is responsible to the forest supervisor for all forest resource management activities on the district. Except for those responsibilities specifically reserved by the forest supervisor, it is the responsibility of the district ranger to: 1. Plan and implement forest resource management programs and projects including HFRA and stewardship contracting that are responsive to the forest plan goals and objectives. Integrate forest resource management programs with other resource management programs in developing and implementing the forest plan. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 14 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2. Monitor and evaluate forest plan forest resource management prescriptions to measure compliance with goals and objectives, determine effects, and adjust subsequent management actions when needed. 3. Encourage local individuals and organizations to become involved in the management of forest resources. Provide public notice of decisions affecting forest resource activities implemented under the district ranger’s authority (36 CFR part 215 and FSH 1909.15). 4. Provide for the collection and maintenance of accurate information that is necessary to meet forest resource program and project management needs and to report forest resource management activities and their results. 5. Ensure quality of work in all phases of the forest resource management program including HFRA and stewardship contracting. 6. Ensure that the necessary environmental analysis and documentation occurs on any timber sale, HFRA project or stewardship project decision that is within the district ranger’s authority to approve. 7. Delegate authority to sell and dispose of National Forest System timber and forest products for each of the following separate authorities: a. The authority and responsibility to ensure coordination of the sale project (FSM 2430, 2404.21 paragraph 1b, and 2404.28). b. The authority to approve permits using permit form FS-2400-1 and FS-2400-8 (forest officer authority, 2404.21 paragraph 1d, and 2404.28). 8. Refer cases to the forest supervisor for suspension or debarment when possible violations that constitute cause for suspension or debarment are identified (FSM 2433 and 2455.4). 9. Refer cases to cancel, partially cancel, or unilaterally modify timber sale contracts reserved under Chief’s authority (36 CFR 223.116(a)(5)) to the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, through the forest supervisor and regional forester. 2404.2 - Delegation of Authority to Sell and Dispose of Timber and Forest Products Pursuant to the delegations by the Secretary at 7 CFR 2.60, the Chief has full authority to act for the Secretary in the sale and disposal of timber and forest products. This section redelegates that authority to the Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, and Forest Service line officers, subject to the reservations and limitations specified. For ease of reference, the maximum delegations are set forth in exhibit 01, FSM 2404.28. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 15 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.21 - Scope of Authority The granting of authority to sell and dispose of National Forest System timber and forest products is limited to the actual authorizations conferred to an individual by a line officer and is subject to the following principles and limitations: 1. The following four authorities associated with the disposal of timber and forest products may be redelegated below the regional forester level only in writing to a named individual and not to a position (FSM 2404.15, 2404.16, and 2404.17): a. The authority to approve sale project plans, including the Sale Area Improvement (K-V) Plan, Salvage Sale Fund Plan, Brush Disposal and Collection Plan, the Gate 1-4 Certifications for the Timber Information Manager (FSM 2430), and the Timber Sale Implementation Plan (FSM 2430 and 2470). This is a line officer function and may not be delegated below the district ranger. b. The authority and responsibility to ensure coordination of the sale project (FSM 2430). A line officer to whom authority and responsibility has been delegated to ensure coordination of the sale project may designate individual subordinates, by name and in writing, to act for that officer within the limits of the original delegation. This authority may be delegated to staff officers below the district ranger. c. The authority and responsibility to oversee and supervise the requisite environmental analysis and documentation pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and FSM 1950) and to serve as the deciding officer who signs and issues decisions that contain forest resource sale projects (NEPA decision authority). This is a line officer function and may not be delegated below the district ranger. d. The authority to serve as an agent for the Forest Service to select a bidding method for each sale and to award and enter into timber sale contracts (contracting officer authority) or to approve permits (forest officer authority). The regional forester shall delegate to qualified individuals the authority to award and administer timber sale contracts, integrated resource timber contracts and stewardship agreements, pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act, or to approve permits. The forest supervisor shall only delegate the authority to award and administer timber sale contracts or to approve permits up to the volumes and values specified in FSM 2408.28, exhibit 01 for district rangers. The district ranger shall delegate authority to approve permits. All delegations must be to an individual named as contracting officer for contracts and forest officer for permits and not to a position. 2. Pursuant to paragraph 1c of this section, a line officer may approve multi-sale decision documents exceeding the scope (40 CFR 1508.25) of their single-sale authority, provided the volume or value of each contract or agreement offered under the decision does not WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 16 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE exceed the single-sale authority of the individual designated pursuant to paragraph 1d of this section to sign the contract or agreement. Regional foresters may approve multi-task order and multi-year stewardship contract projects, which include disposal of timber and forest products, provided each task order or contract does not exceed their delegated authority. 2404.22 - Designation of Actings Subject to the limitations in FSM 2404.21 and consistent with direction in FSM 1231.3, subordinates may be designated to act in the absence of the line officer in the sale and disposal of timber and forest products. Each designation must be in writing and specify: 1. The area to which the designation applies (FSM 2404.21); 2. The period during which the designation is effective; 3. The timber sale and disposal activities included in the designation; 4. The kinds of material included; and 5. The maximum value or volume that may be approved in any one transaction. In the short-term absence (2 weeks or less) of the designated contracting officer, a line officer shall act as contracting officer for the administration of the contract unless that delegation has been given to an alternate contracting officer following the procedures in FSM 2404.21. The signature of a line officer acting for a contracting officer must appear over the title of “contracting officer.” In the long-term absence (greater than 2 weeks) of the designated contracting officer, a replacement contracting officer shall be delegated authority following the procedures in section FSM 2404.21. 2404.23 - Washington Office, Director, Forest Management The Washington Office, Director, Forest Management, is authorized: 1. To award and enter into timber sale contracts whose values or volumes exceed the authority granted to a regional forester as shown in FSM 2404.28, exhibit 01. In the absence of the Director, an Associate Deputy Chief or the Deputy Chief for the National Forest System, the Associate Chief, or the Chief must approve such a sale. This authority includes the authority to select bidding methods, re-determine rates, enter into contract modifications, designate contracting officers for sales made under the Chief’s authority, and conduct related timber sale business. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 17 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2. On a case-by-case basis to delegate to the regional forester or to a named contracting officer, the authority to award and enter into a timber sale contract, integrated resource contract, or stewardship agreement whose value or volume exceeds the authority granted to the regional forester in FSM 2404.28, exhibit 01. 3. To exercise the authority of the Chief at 36 CFR 223.88 to specify bidding methods on any Forest Service timber sale contract in any area where evidence indicates collusive behavior or where less than normal competitive bidding practices may be occurring. This authority includes specifying a mix of sealed and oral auction bidding in these situations and concurring in proposed changes in historic bidding methods put forward by the regional foresters under other circumstances. This authority may not be redelegated. 4. To exercise the authority of the Chief at 36 CFR 223.116(b) to cancel, partially cancel, or unilaterally modify contracts when operations would result in serious environmental degradation or resource damage (36 CFR 223.116 (a)(5)). 2404.24 - Regional Foresters 1. General Delegations. Each regional forester is granted the authority to sell and dispose of timber in the volumes and values shown in FSM 2404.28, exhibit 01. By official correspondence to a named individual, each regional forester shall delegate to forest supervisors the authority to sell and dispose of timber within the following volume and value limitations: a. Free Use. (1) Up to $10,000 during times of emergencies (as determined by the regional forester) (36 CFR 223.8). (2) Up to $5,000 for certain mining claims (36 CFR 223.9). (3) In the Alaska region, up to 10,000 board feet of sawtimber and 25 cords of wood, or an equivalent amount in other forms (36 CFR 223.10). b. Seized Timber. Amount delegated on a case-by-case basis (36 CFR 223.3). 2. Amounts in Excess of the Station Director’s Sale Authority. The regional forester, with the concurrence of the station director, may delegate to the forest supervisor authority to enter into sales for amounts in excess of the station director’s sale authority from experimental forests within the national forest boundary. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 18 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 3. Federal Sustained-Yield Units. Regional foresters with Federal Sustained-Yield Units are delegated authority to designate approved responsible operators (AROs). This authority may be redelegated to forest supervisors for sales other than sawtimber (sawlogs). 4. Cancellation of Contracts Under 36 CFR 223.116(b). Regional foresters are authorized to exercise the authority of the Chief at 36 CFR 223.116(b) to cancel contracts, within their delegated authority at FSM 2404.28, that meet the criteria listed in 36 CFR 223.116 (a)(1) through (a)(4). This authority may not be redelegated. 5. Delegation of Contracting Officers. Regional foresters may delegate authority to qualified individuals at the regional or forest level, both line and staff positions, to award and administer timber sale contracts using forms FS-2400-6, FS-2400-6T, FS-2400-3S, FS-2400-3P, FS-2400-3T, FS-2400-4, and FS-2400-2, and stewardship contracts using integrated resource contract form FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act (FSM 2404.15). Such a delegation as contracting officer must be made to a named individual in official correspondence for a specific contract or set of contracts. The delegation may not be made to a position or issued in a FSM supplement. The individual designated shall meet the minimum requirements stated in FSM 2452.4. In a case where the same individual executes line and contract authorities, it is critical to specify under which authority the individual is to carry out a given action (FSM 2404.21). 6. Delegation of Authority to Dispose of Timber or Forest Products in Stewardship Contracts and Stewardship Agreements. Regional foresters may delegate authority to qualified individuals at the regional or forest level, both line and staff positions, to dispose of timber on stewardship contracts and stewardship agreements using the integrated resource service contract or stewardship agreement formats. Such delegation must be made to a named individual in official correspondence for a specific contract or set of contracts. The delegation may not be made to a position or issued in a FSM supplement. 2404.25 - Forest Supervisors Consistent with the authority delegated by the regional forester, forest supervisors shall issue supplemental direction to FSM 2404.28, exhibit 01 to redelegate to district rangers, or by official correspondence to a named individual, the authority to approve disposal of timber within the following volume and value limitations: 1. Free Use. If delegated by the regional forester, $5,000 during times of emergencies (36 CFR 223.8) and $5,000 for certain mining claims (36 CFR 223.9). If delegated by the regional forester, Region 10, forest supervisors in Region 10 may redelegate up to 10,000 board feet of sawtimber and 25 cords of wood, or an equivalent amount in other forms (36 CFR 223.10). WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 19 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2. Seized Timber. If delegated by the regional forester, forest supervisors shall redelegate the amount on a case-by-case basis (36 CFR 223.3). 3. Delegation of Contracting Officers. Forest supervisors shall delegate authority to qualified individuals at the district level, both line and staff positions, to award and administer timber sale contracts using forms FS 2400-4 and FS 2400-2 pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act (FSM 2404.15). A delegation to serve as contracting officer shall be made by official correspondence to a named individual, for a specific contract or set of contracts. The delegation may not be made to a position or issued in a FSM supplement. The individual designated shall meet the minimum requirements stated in FSM 2452.4, except as provided in FSM 2404.26. In a case where the same individual executes line and contract authorities, it is critical to specify under which authority the individual is to carry out a given action (FSM 2404.21). 2404.25a - District Rangers Consistent with the authority delegated by the forest supervisor, district rangers shall redelegate the authority to approve disposal of timber within the following volume and value limitations: 1. Free Use. If delegated by the forest supervisor, Region 10, district rangers in Region 10 may redelegate up to 10,000 board feet of sawtimber and 25 cords of wood, or an equivalent amount in other forms (36 CFR 223.10). 2. Delegation of Forest Officers. District rangers may delegate authority to qualified individuals at the district level to approve permits on forms FS-2400-1 and FS-2400-8 (FSM 2404.17). A delegation to serve as forest officer shall be made by official correspondence to a named individual, for a specific permit or set of permits. The delegation may not be made to a position or issued in a FSM supplement. The individual designated shall meet the minimum requirements stated in FSM 2452.4. 2404.26 - Contracting Officers Authority is limited to that specified by the regional forester for regional and forest contracting officers (FSM 2404.24) and by the forest supervisor for district contracting officers (FSM 2404.25). The contracting officer for a procurement contract (FSM 6301.3) or integrated resource service contract has authority to dispose of national forest timber and forest products when disposal of such products is included as part of a procurement stewardship contract or stewardship agreement, up to the limits specified by the regional forester. Delegation must be done by letter from the regional forester outlining stewardship contracting and stewardship agreement authority and responsibility for the sale and disposal of timber and forest products (FSH 2409.19, ch. 60). WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 20 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.27 - Station Directors Authority includes commercial, administrative, special forest products, innocent trespass sales, and administrative free use (FSM 2404.28, ex. 01). 2404.28 - Specific Delegations of Timber Sale and Disposal Authority Exhibit 01 lists the maximum size or value of sales and other disposals by type, region, and officer. Regional foresters and forest supervisors shall redelegate authorities to subordinate positions on specific units. Do not use supplements to this exhibit to issue delegations to named individuals; official correspondence shall be used for such delegations. Regional foresters shall delegate authorities that exceed the amount authorized in exhibit 01 to named individuals for specific sales. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 21 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.28 - Exhibit 01 Delegated Authority To Sell and Dispose of National Forest Timber and Forest Products Type of Disposal and Legal Authority Commercial Sales 36 CFR 223.1 7 CFR 2.60 16 U.S.C. 2104 Note Integrated Resource Timber Sales (IRTC) 36 CFR 223.1 7 CFR 2.60 16 U.S.C. 2104 Note Delegated Officer 1/ Maximum Level of Approved Authority (Volume or Value Reference) (CCF 2/) Policy Reference Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM 100,000 50,000 5,000 200 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) FSM 2431 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM 100,000 None None None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/3/) 10,000 None None None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/3/) 10,000 None None None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 100,000 5,000 500 200 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority FSM 2431 Integrated Resources Service Contracts (IRSC) 36 CFR 223.2 36 CFR 223.12 16 U.S.C. 2104 Note Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Stewardship Agreements 36 CFR 223.2 36 CFR 223.12 16 U.S.C. 2104 Note Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Administrative Use Sales 36 CFR 223.2 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM FSH 2409.19 FSH 2409.19 FSM 2463 WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 22 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.28 - Exhibit 01—Continued Type of Disposal And Legal Authority Delegated Officer 1/ Special Forest Product Sales 36 CFR 223.1 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester 4/ Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Free Use 36 CFR 223.5-.10 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester 4/ Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Federal Free Use 36 CFR 223.11 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor 8/ District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Administrative Free Use Regional Forester Forest Supervisor 8/ District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Settlement Sales Regional Forester Forest Supervisor 8/ District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Maximum Level of Approved Authority (Volume or Value Reference) ($ Advertised Value) $100,000 As Delegated $10,000 $2,000 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority ($ Appraised Value 3/) $10,000 $5,000 $200 $None Volume of Value Exceeding RF Authority ($ Appraised Value 3/) $10,000 As Delegated None None Volume of Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 5,000 As Delegated 200 40 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 5,000 As Delegated 200 40 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority Policy Reference FSM 2467 FSM 2462 FSM 2462 FSM 2463 FSM 2464 WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 23 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.28 - Exhibit 01—Continued Type of Disposal and Legal Authority Delegated Officer 1/ Exchange Timber Sales 36 CFR 223.4 36 CFR 223.14 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Seized Timber Sales 36 CFR 223.3 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor 8/ District Ranger 8/ Station Director Director, WO-FM Innocent Trespass Timber Sales 36 CFR 223.1 36 CFR 223.3 7 CFR 2.60 Cooperative and Federal Sustained-Yield Unit Sales 36 CFR 223.117 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Regional Forester 10/ Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Timber Property Sales 36 CFR 223.1 7 CFR 2.60 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Environmental Analysis 36 CFR 223.1 36 CFR 223.2 Regional Forester Forest Supervisor District Ranger Station Director Director, WO-FM Maximum Level of Approved Authority (Volume or Value Reference) (CCF 2/) 100,000 5,000 None None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/9/) 10,000 As Delegated As Delegated None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority ($ Appraised Value 8/) No Limit $10,000 $500 None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 100,000 50,000 5,000 None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 10,000 As Delegated As Delegated None Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority (CCF 2/) 100,000 As Delegated As Delegated 200 Volume or Value Exceeding RF Authority Policy Reference FSM 2465 FSM 2466 FSM 2469 FSM 2466 FSM 2468 FSM 2466 FSM 2469 FSH 2409.18 FSH 1909.15 WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 24 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2404.28 - Exhibit 01—Continued 1/ Refer to FSM 2404.21, paragraphs 1a through d for the four separate authorities that may be delegated to individuals. In making delegations, line officers may not exceed the volumes and values in this exhibit unless otherwise delegated in writing. 2/ Volumes shown in hundred cubic feet (CCF) may be interpreted to mean an equivalent amount in thousands of board feet (MBF), hundred cubic meters (CCM) or tons. 3/ As part of the project approval process, regional foresters shall authorize specific volume limit delegations for the sale or disposal of timber and forest products. Delegations must be based on the experience and qualifications of the assigned contracting officer. Sale and Disposal of timber and forest products should be accomplished in a single task order, if possible. 4/ Regional forester, Region 10, is delegated 10,000 board feet of sawtimber and 25 cords of wood, or an equivalent amount in other forms and may redelegate up to this amount to forest supervisors and district rangers. 5/ Amounts listed are restricted by regulation (36 CFR 223.8). 6/ May be increased to $10,000 by regional forester in times of emergency, and regional forester may delegate up to $5000 for certain mining claims (36 CFR 223.9). 7/ If delegated by regional forester, forest supervisor may redelegate up to $10,000 in times of emergency and up to $5,000 for certain mining claims (36 CFR 223.9). 8/ Amount delegated on a case-by-case basis by the regional forester. 9/ If advertisement is impractical, sales of material with an appraised value of less than $10,000 will be made on informal bids. (36 CFR 223.3). 10/ Regional foresters in Regions 3, 5, and 6 are delegated 100,000 CCF. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 25 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2409 - FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOKS (FSH) 2409.1 - Internal Servicewide Handbooks The following handbooks are approved for use servicewide. 2409.11 - National Forest Log Scaling Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures for measuring the wood content of logs in board feet and is intended for field use. 2409.11a - Cubic Scaling Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures for measuring the wood content of logs in cubic feet and is intended for field use. 2409.12 - Timber Cruising Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures for estimation of the timber volume in standing trees. 2409.12a - Timber Volume Estimator Handbook (FSH) This handbook provides direction for establishing and testing mathematical equations and other volume estimators used to calculate the volume of standing trees. It also requires standard information to be collected and stored from measured trees for use in preparing the estimators. 2409.13 - Timber Resource Management Planning Handbook (FSH) This handbook provides procedures, policy, and direction for planning and management of the timber resource. It covers development of the Resource Planning Act assessment and program and Forest plans. 2409.13a - Timber Permanent Plot Handbook (FSH) This handbook provides direction on establishing permanent plots for sharing of timber growth and yield information. It requires consistent and standard information to be collected on permanent plots that are established for growth and yield modeling. 2409.14 - Timber Management Information System Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes the overall Timber Management Information System (TMIS), the nationally supported portion of the system and reports available from it. The handbook contains national coding structure used to describe data elements pertaining to timber management. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 26 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2409.15 - Timber Sale Administration Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures and requirements for the administration of timber sales. 2409.17 - Silvicultural Practices Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes silvicultural processes, with major emphasis on a nationally recognized method for the calculation and display of stocking levels. 2409.18 - Timber Sale Preparation Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes processes and procedures used to plan and prepare timber sales, from inception through award of the timber sale contract. Appraisal instructions specific to each region may be issued in FSH 2409.22. 2409.19 - Renewable Resources Handbook (FSH) This handbook provides direction for performing renewable resource protection and improvement under approved timber sale area improvement plans using Knutson-Vandenberg (K-V) funds, and provides direction for stewardship contracting. It brings together direction traditionally issued by each functional area into one place in the Directive System. 2409.2 - Internal Unit Handbooks The following handbooks are approved for issuance within regions. Where subject matter would duplicate an area covered by a national handbook, regional instructions should be issued as supplements to the national handbook rather than be maintained in a separate unit handbook. 2409.21e - Timber Management Control Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures for timber stand record systems that are not part of a total resource inventory. It includes direction for recording, storing and retrieving information about tree stands. See FSH 6609.21, Total Resource Inventory for related processes and procedures. 2409.21h - Timber Management Data Handbook (FSH) This handbook includes direction on timber management data specific to a region. 2409.22 - Timber Appraisal Handbook (FSH) This handbook provides appraisal instructions and procedures specific to a region. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 27 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2409.26 - Silvicultural Practices Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes cultural practices necessary to manage timber stands. Topics covered are cutting methods, reforestation, timber stand improvement, silvicultural examinations and prescriptions, nurseries, seed collection, storage and handling, genetic tree improvement, and integrated vegetation management. Regions may issue handbooks under this code by one of three methods, as follows: 1. Issue one handbook (FSH 2409.26) for all forest types with a chapter for each broad general type. Each chapter must include the applicable subjects for a given forest type. 2. Issue a handbook for each forest type that includes each of the subjects specified in the preceding paragraph 1 for this handbook. Code each forest type handbook as an expansion of FSH 2409.26 designated by a letter, starting with “n”; for example, 2409.26n, 2409.26o, 2409.26p, and so forth. 3. Issue a separate handbook for each of the following topics with codes authorized for an expansion of FSH 2409.26, starting with FSH 2409.26b. 2409.26b - Reforestation Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes practices used in a region for planting of trees, care of planting stock, and verification of reforestation success. 2409.26c - Timber Stand Improvement Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes practices used in timber stand improvement for the various forest types within a region. 2409.26d - Silvicultural Examination and Prescription Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes procedures used to record data about tree stands. It includes instruction for the form and content of silvicultural prescriptions. 2409.26e - Nursery Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes practices and procedures used in tree seedling nurseries within a region. 2409.26f - Seed Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes practices and procedures that apply to collection, handling, and storage of cones and tree seed within a region. WO AMENDMENT 2400-2009-2 EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/28/2009 DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed. 2400_zero_code Page 28 of 28 FSM 2400 - TIMBER MANAGEMENT CHAPTER - ZERO CODE 2409.26g - Tree Improvement Handbook (FSH) This handbook describes practices and procedures that apply to the genetic improvement of forest trees. It includes selection of superior trees and breeding of their offspring.